Yahoo LifestyleTaking To The Skies This Summer? 13 Packing Tips To Keep You Comfy & Safe
Once upon a time, flying felt as routine and painless (albeit delays and long TSA lines) as commuting to work. You leave early. You arrive. You check-in. You board the plane. But, oh, how 2020 turned the travel tables upside down. Even with the CDC’s more lenient 2022 guidelines, germ awareness is at an all time high — so we found 13 disinfecting products and protective travel accessories worth packing for all your summer adventures and beyond.
While we are not experts in the field of disease control (please look to the CDC for info), we are pretty nifty at online shopping. So we found some top-tier products to keep you comfortable and, most importantly, safe at the airport this summer (crosschecked with our previous expert-advised COVID travel coverage). And yes, this article was originally published in the midst of 2020, but we gave it a hefty 2022 touch-up — score some key items to pack for your next journey through the clouds, ahead.
COVID-19 has been declared a global pandemic. Go to the CDC website for the latest information on symptoms, prevention, and other resources.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
Brave New Look K95 Mask (Pack of 20)
Although masks are no longer required on planes, the CDC "continues to recommend that people wear masks in indoor public transportation settings at this time," according to its site. Bringing more than one of these top-rated KN95's can help keep things clean, safe, and comfortable for the duration of your trip.
Shop Brave New Look
Brave New Look Adult KN95 (Pack of 20), $, available at Brave New Look
Jane Iredale Hand Sanitizer
Before AND after touching any surfaces while in transit, try to spritz your hands with sanitizer spray.
According to Harry Oken, M.D., a practicing internist and medical advisory board member for Persona Nutrition, "It’s better to use antibacterial soap instead of gel hand sanitizers. However, if you don’t have the option for soap and water, you should use what you have available."
Shop Dermstore
Jane Iredale Hand Sanitizer, $, available at DermStore
Madewell The (Re)sourced Tote Bag
Store all your carry-on essentials in this sturdy, lightweight tote bag to minimize your need to reach into other bags and touch multiple surfaces — it comes complete with multiple organizational pockets and a roomy interior and is crafted from durable polyester material.
Shop Madewell
Madewell The (Re)sourced Tote Bag, $, available at Madewell
Honest Company Alcohol Wipes (50 Count)
Ease your mind and minimize germ spread by wiping off any in-airport surfaces or airplane seats before sitting down or setting down your travel bags.
Shop Honest Company
The Honest Company Alcohol Wipes 50 Count, $, available at The Honest Company
CarbonKlean SmartKlear Carbon Smartphone Cleaner
Phone screens can hold a ton of girt, grim, and excess makeup — this nifty carbon-based gadget kills bacteria, removes smudges, and more for up to 300 uses.
Shop The Grommet
CarbonKlean SmartKlear Carbon Smartphone Cleaner, $, available at The Grommet
Walmart Collapsible Food Storage Containers
For the utmost safety precaution, it's probably best to eat out of your own containers — especially when traveling. These collapsible iterations make storing in-flight snacks easy.
Shop Walmart
Kitchen + Home Collapsible Food Storage Containers, $, available at Walmart
Uncommon Goods Compact Packable Travel Neck Pillow
Proper rest is a vital part of a strong immune system, so setting yourself up for supportive sleep on-the-fly is key. The best part about this packable pillow? It's both ultra-comfy and easy to wash.
Shop Uncommon Goods
Uncommon Goods Compact Packable Travel Neck Pillow, $, available at Uncommon Goods
Sani-Key Touchless Antimicrobial Tool
Touching doors and handles are already an icky endeavor — let this tool do the work for you.
Shop Bed Bath & Beyond
sani-key Sani-Key Anti-Microbial Door Opener, $, available at Bed Bath & Beyond
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